Archive By Author - Karen LaPierre

For those young people in need of a job, but are in need of assistance, the Flint Hills Job Corps, located in Manhattan, provides free job training for those who qualify. The program provides training in carpentry, cement-masonry, construction craft laborer, dental assistant, facility maintenance technology, plumbing, security & protective services, CNA, Home Health aide, and recently revamped high school academics or high school equivalency for those ages 16 through 24.

There isn't any significant voter fraud in Kansas or anywhere else for that matter. According to the Wichita Eagle, Aug. 13, 2012, out of 146 million nationwide voters over 12 years, there was one case for every 15 million prospective voters. Half of those cases were not prosecuted because of confusion about eligibility.

BARTON COUNTY -The 2013-14 Communities that Care data for the area once again shows that Barton County teens drink at a higher rate than teens from the remaining portions of Kansas, although the good news is that the numbers are trending downward across the state, including here. The report shows that area teens tend to smoke less and use marijuana less than the state average.

Not your average exercise trail signs, the Born Learning Trail throws in an extra spoonful by promoting positive and engaging parent-child interaction, and both Great Bend and Claflin will benefit from the new trail in each community. The Born Learning Trail combines exercise with 10 educational signs that will provide a change of pace for relationship building and family exercise.

Kenneth Harold Allen, 86, died July 31, at Great Bend Regional Hospital in Great Bend. Born July 4, 1928, in Great Bend, he was the son of James Martin and Bertha (Piel) Allen. On April 28, 1952, he married Maude Evalene Russell in Salem, Ark. She died on Aug. 8, 2007. A lifetime resident of Great Bend he was a carpenter for Marlette Homes.

ELLINWOOD - The Ellinwood School District is moving to 21st century technology and will only allow students to carry iPads into the classroom. Book bags are only allowed for students to carry books to and from school to the locker at the junior and senior high level.

HOISINGTON - The Hoisington City Council, at its regular meeting on Monday, approved a resolution to put on the November ballot a raise in retail sales tax of .25 of one percent for the community. This increase will put the city at the same increment as the city of Great Bend.

Dr. Bryan Pinkall, who grew up in Great Bend, recently drove home from Manhattan and broke the news to his parents, Michelle and Gary, with a short video that he had a special vacation planned in August.

Her voice brimming with enthusiasm, new Big Brothers, Big Sisters area director Diane Shoemaker has come on board with the non-profit organization which provides a little attention to kids-in-need, but has big results.